Dear Beijing community,
We are reaching out to you about an urgent matter. Tristan Starobynski, a 10-year-old former Beijing expat, has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a serious medical condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells. He is currently in the hospital relying on specialized treatments to fight this tough battle.
Before moving to Hanoi, Vietnam, the Starobynskis lived and worked in Beijing and were beloved members of the International School of Beijing (ISB) community. Mom Clare taught elementary school at ISB, and dad Tom ran the fitness center at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) before joining Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) Shunyi where he taught PE.
Tristan has been medically evacuated to the nearest fully equipped hospital in Bangkok where they’re working on providing him with the life-saving care that he needs. But medical emergencies are extremely costly, and the family is now facing a heavy financial burden. To help, they’ve started a Go Fund Me page. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will bring Tristan closer to getting the treatment he desperately needs.
In addition to donations, members of the Beijing community are also organizing a dance workout on Nov 27 at ISB to help raise money for Tristan’s treatment.
Sign up for the hour-long workout and get fit for a good cause. There will be raffle sales and special treats, and all the proceeds will go directly to Tristan’s family to cover his medical expenses.
Over the years, many of us in the expat community have gotten to know and adore the Starobynski family, whether it’s through the kids, the way Clare and Tom have inspired the kids in the international school community, or Clare and Tom’s 20+ years of love and dedication to their marriage.
Let’s come together as a community. Show your love and support for Tristan. Our collective efforts can make a huge difference in his life and give his family hope during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Find it:
International School of Beijing (ISB) Upper Dance Studio
10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District
顺义区安华街10号
Images: Clare Starobynski
